My Beautiful, Beautiful Scar

Unplugged. A blog at the traffic circle of professional, personal,
technical and healthcare. Opinions my own.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of my escape from the ravenous tentacles of cancer. Healed. Diagnosed with a deadly form of prostate cancer one month prior, Simran and I carefully weighed all options. Radical prostatectomy. Yep, we decided on a radical prostatectomy. We purposely chose an open (non-robotic) procedure despite the scaring and extended recovery period. We trusted our skilled surgeon with whom we had a personal connection. The decision proved wise given unforeseen anatomical complications once surgery began. 

Recovery was relatively uneventful and documented via weekly LinkedIn blogs. Typical side effects were minimized through therapy, exercise and patience. My coach whipped me back into shape and I finished every post-surgical race on the podium. We reunite with our care team this month for final examination. We remain thankful for the 82 caregivers who had a part in our journey. We know them by name. We will close this chapter with a celebration with friends and family.  With facemasks of course! 

Summer’s in Texas are brutal. Even early morning temperatures begin in the 80s. Humidity adds to the misery when cycling and running. I started running without my shirt. My scar in all its glory! Self-conscious, I was like what the hell, this is nothing, nothing compared to badges of courage of others wounded by cancer. I am just freaking happy to be cancer free. Happy to be able to run fast. Happy to live my best life. Happy to hold my children. Happy to cuddle my Simran each night.

I remain steadfast in my life’s purpose. I recognized my calling at age 16 and managed to stay mostly aligned since then. For sure I made my share of zig zags. Each time rerouted through grace, acceptance, forgiveness and love. Every challenge requires me to respond with faith and hope and in the confidence of my calling. 

Whatever has scarred you. Cancer. War. Racism. Words. The trauma of daily life... Hold true to who you are. Connect with your calling. Even if you have yet to discover your purpose, you can choose to walk in grace. Then extend grace to others. You can choose to walk in forgiveness. Then extend forgiveness to others. You can choose to walk in mercy. Then extend mercy to others. You can choose to walk in love. Then extend love to others. I have found that the happiest and most content people are those who embrace grace, forgiveness, mercy and love. I have found that the people I most enjoy to work with and to be friends embrace the same.

Scars? Embrace them. I embrace mine. They are beautiful. Markers of a journey well-travelled.